Changing political environment has placed the current US foreign policy in the Middle East under test. Different governments over the years have shown disparity in their tackling of issues affecting the region. The sensitivity of this relationship reminds people that the region was strategically a European stronghold considering that they defeated the Ottoman rule.
The view of Americans as untainted and respectable people existed before the Second World War. Americans were viewed as the source of modern medicine, education, oil experts and other transformational institutions. They did not display the duplicity and selfishness that was associated with Europeans. The sharing of natural resources, especially oil heralded a need to cement positions based on national interests.
Oil prices are an important factor when dealing with Middle East countries. This makes the region strategically important to American interests. The allies that exist in this area include Jordan, Israel, Kuwait, Turkey, Egypt, Morocco and Afghanistan. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Qatar also fall among American allies. Their membership in Nato has always been questioned and led to cold relations with America.
Control of the area is exercised through aid, military support and hosting of major military bases. The nuclear weapons are also aimed at subduing rivalry with neighboring states so that total control can be exercised. The war in Iraq by the Bush administration was aimed at establishing a strong and supportive government that would safeguard American interests. The invasion shook the relationship with the world and called for an evaluation of policies regarding that region.
The issues of the Persian Gulf were made worse by the Arab Spring. America has undergone a major test on its ability to maintain influence in this area. Syria has seen a conflict drag on for years now with the Obama Administration developing cold feet as it seeks a solution. This has made it an unreliable friend and revealed cracks in influence and control.
Nuclear technology remains a hot topic for Arab states and is placing this region at a precarious position. The entry of Iraq into the league in recent months through an agreement with America is an issue of concern to other allies. Its government is yet to stabilize which is considered a great risk. Israel and her battles with Palestine is the another source of conflict and tension.
Russian and Asian economic giants are gaining ground by offering better deals than America. Russia has been at the center of the Syrian crisis at the expense of America. The instability in Egypt is blamed on American indecisiveness which saw Mubarak forcibly removed despite his pro-west stand. The unstable policies guided by change in governance are causing concerns to Gulf States.
Iran poses a big threat to the current US foreign policy in the Middle East. Some of the Gulf States are not comfortable with its nuclear ambitions. Bahrain has been vocal about this concern and has not wasted any opportunity to show displeasure. America seeks to safeguard its current allies and win new ones in the region.
The view of Americans as untainted and respectable people existed before the Second World War. Americans were viewed as the source of modern medicine, education, oil experts and other transformational institutions. They did not display the duplicity and selfishness that was associated with Europeans. The sharing of natural resources, especially oil heralded a need to cement positions based on national interests.
Oil prices are an important factor when dealing with Middle East countries. This makes the region strategically important to American interests. The allies that exist in this area include Jordan, Israel, Kuwait, Turkey, Egypt, Morocco and Afghanistan. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Qatar also fall among American allies. Their membership in Nato has always been questioned and led to cold relations with America.
Control of the area is exercised through aid, military support and hosting of major military bases. The nuclear weapons are also aimed at subduing rivalry with neighboring states so that total control can be exercised. The war in Iraq by the Bush administration was aimed at establishing a strong and supportive government that would safeguard American interests. The invasion shook the relationship with the world and called for an evaluation of policies regarding that region.
The issues of the Persian Gulf were made worse by the Arab Spring. America has undergone a major test on its ability to maintain influence in this area. Syria has seen a conflict drag on for years now with the Obama Administration developing cold feet as it seeks a solution. This has made it an unreliable friend and revealed cracks in influence and control.
Nuclear technology remains a hot topic for Arab states and is placing this region at a precarious position. The entry of Iraq into the league in recent months through an agreement with America is an issue of concern to other allies. Its government is yet to stabilize which is considered a great risk. Israel and her battles with Palestine is the another source of conflict and tension.
Russian and Asian economic giants are gaining ground by offering better deals than America. Russia has been at the center of the Syrian crisis at the expense of America. The instability in Egypt is blamed on American indecisiveness which saw Mubarak forcibly removed despite his pro-west stand. The unstable policies guided by change in governance are causing concerns to Gulf States.
Iran poses a big threat to the current US foreign policy in the Middle East. Some of the Gulf States are not comfortable with its nuclear ambitions. Bahrain has been vocal about this concern and has not wasted any opportunity to show displeasure. America seeks to safeguard its current allies and win new ones in the region.
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